When someone has suffered with acid-reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), or persistent heartburn, and changes in eating habits or medications have not resolved the symptoms, it is time to consult with a Glendora General Surgeon. If left untreated, acid-reflux and heartburn may lead to complications such as erosion of the esophageal, ulcers, tooth decay, narrowing or inflammation of the esophagus, and even cancer. The surgeon will examine, analyze, and evaluate a patient’s complete medical condition to determine if, and which type of, operation technique will be most effective: open, laparoscopic, or endoluminal.
TYPES OF ACID-REFLUX …show more content…
All Fundoplications are performed in a hospital, a general anesthetic is used to ensure the patient is asleep and will not feel any pain during the operation, and the procedure takes between 2 to 3 hours for completion. The patient will remain in the hospital for several days following surgery. Open Fundoplication: The surgeon makes one long incision in the abdomen. If there it is a hernia, it is repaired first with stitches to tighten the diaphragm and stop the upward bulging of the stomach. Then, the top portion of the stomach is wrapped around and stitched to the end of the esophagus to prevent acid, fluids, and food from leaving the stomach and flowing upward into the esophagus. The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
Laparoscopic Fundoplication: The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen, one medical scope with a tiny attached camera is inserted in one incision and special surgical tools are used through the other incisions. The camera is connected to an operating room monitor. The surgeon performs the same surgical procedure as an open fundoplication, but only using the smaller incisions. The incisions are closed with sutures or